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Mucolytic agents and otitis media with effusion
J E Fitzgerald1, G G Green, J P Birchall
1Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne; UK.
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Thick middle ear effusions contain more mucus glycoproteins than thin ones, differing in protein structure. Mucolytic agents can reduce effusion viscosity, but concentration and contact time are critical for effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common in children.
- Middle ear effusions (MEE) can be categorized as mucoid (thick) or serous (thin).
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the composition and properties of MEE.
- To investigate the viscosity-modifying effects of mucolytic agents on MEE.
Main Methods:
- Separation of MEE into thick and thin pools.
- Biochemical analysis of mucus glycoproteins (amino acid, carbohydrate composition).
- Viscosity measurements of MEE and purified glycoproteins with mucolytic agents.
Main Results:
- Thick MEE had significantly higher mucus glycoprotein content (25%) than thin MEE (8.2%).
- Mucus glycoproteins from thick MEE had different protein cores with higher serine and threonine content and increased glycosylation.
- N-acetyl cysteine and mercaptoethanol reduced MEE viscosity, but viscosity increased upon longer incubation, mediated by low molecular weight components.
Conclusions:
- Middle ear effusion viscosity is influenced by mucus glycoprotein composition and low molecular weight components.
- Effective reduction of MEE viscosity in vivo requires optimizing mucolytic concentration and contact time.